Our role in fighting human trafficking

Exploitation in different forms

At INTERPOL, we work to ensure police are trained and equipped to identify and investigate cases of human trafficking in all its forms, including:

• For forced labour or domestic servitude;
• For sexual exploitation;
• For forced criminal activities, such as begging, pickpocketing or online crime;
• For the removal of organs.

Protecting children

Minors are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, as they are more easily manipulated and often don’t realize they are the victims of crime. Some may feel they are being protected by their so-called employers, particularly if they are given meals and accommodations.

INTERPOL recognizes the crucial role played by child protection units, social services and NGOs in our member countries. We regularly engage and involve them in our activities to ensure children are given the proper attention and care throughout investigations and operations.

INTERPOL's response to human trafficking

We strive to empower police in our member countries to investigate and handle cases of human trafficking. This is done via:

• Training: building long-term capacity by sharing the latest investigation and victim interview techniques with officers;
• INTERPOL’s policing capabilities and expertise: tools and systems for sharing intelligence globally;
• Global operations: concrete action in the field to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks;
• Partnerships: working across sectors to improve the ways in which trafficking can be identified, reported and investigated;
• Events and conferences: gathering experts from across the world;
• Specialist groups which focus on frontline police work and the exchange of operational information;
• Resources: covering general information, international legislation, and law enforcement guides and manuals.

Human trafficking vs. people smuggling

Closely connected to human trafficking is people smuggling, or smuggling of migrants.

In this case, smuggling networks facilitate the illegal entry of an individual into a country of which he is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident. Although migrants can fall vulnerable to human trafficking, generally speaking, once the smuggler has been paid, the relationship between the migrant and the smuggler ends.